Winterized Running Shoes

Water-proof shoes and various spike options

Published

November 18, 2011

Most performance-oriented runners balk at water-proof running shoes, and rightly so: They're often heavier, less flexible and not nearly as nimble as the lightweight trainers and racers we're accustomed to, plus they can make your feet hot and sweaty in anything but very cold weather. But if you live in a place that's snowy, icy, slushy or just downright frigid from November until March, winterized running shoes can help you get out the door on a regular basis, weather be damned. None of the shoes highlighted here are as light and fast as your everyday trainers (and certainly none are minimalist in design), but each one combats winter's harsh weather in a unique way–with spikes, high-ankle coverage or new weatherproof membranes–keeping you safer and more comfortable as you get in your winter base.

Saucony ProGrid Razor 2.0 - $135Ideal for running in deep snow and slop, the Razor 2.0 has a zippered ankle-high gaiter made with a waterproof/breathable eVent material and a Vibram outsole designed to not slip on ice.Weight: 13.5 oz/12.1 ozHeel-toe drop:: 12 mm

For running primarily on icy, snow-packed roads, you can add temporary after-market cleats like ICEtrekkers, MicroSpikes, Stabilicers or Yaktrax to your regular running shoes. Or you can retrofit a pair of trainers by inserting screws (3/8" hexagonal-headed #4 or #6 sheet metal screws work best because they offer many sharp edges) into the perimeter of the outsole. Use 10–12 screws per shoe, depending on shoe size. Start by poking or drilling a tiny hole into the rubber and then twisting the screws into the sole. For $25, you can invest in an IceSpike system, which includes 32 hardened steel screws with specifically designed jagged heads for running on snowy roads, plus a hex-head driver.